Not surprisingly, Purdue has begun the process of petitioning the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility for injured receiver Keith Smith.

Purdue confirmed its participation in the process Monday afternoon after quarterback Robert Marve, himself injured, posted on his Twitter account, "Keith smith is coming back next year!!!!! Yes sir."

Smith suffered a season-ending compound knee injury in the second game of the season, a win over Western Illinois, and underwent surgery in October.

The All-Big Ten receiver is looking to follow in the footsteps of safety Torri Williams and linebacker Jason Werner, who applied for and received sixth years in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

Their petition processes, though, weren't resolved until well into the winter.

Purdue announced Werner's successful application Feb. 19 of this year. Williams' was announced Feb. 13, 2009.

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